Current developments of research on permafrost engineering and cold region environment:a report of the 8^(th) International Symposium on Permafrost Engineering

The Eighth International Symposium on Permafrost Engineering was held in Xi’an,China,October 2009.The major topics discussed in the symposium included:permafrost engineering (involving design,construction and evaluation);mitigation of frost hazards in the regions affected by seasonally frozen ground;properties of frozen soils,model development and their applications;frost hazards and periglacial environments in mountain and plateau regions;climatic,environmental and cryospheric changes;and permafrost hydrology,cold regions water resources and land uses.The papers submitted to the symposium and lectures during the meeting represented some new developments of research on cold region engineering and environment.Here we summarized the works of the symposium in topics including:Permafrost engineering;General geocryology;Properties of frozen soils:model development and their applications;And climatic,environmental and cryospheric changes.During the symposium,the attendees pointed out that future studies should pay more attention to theoretical study and engineering mechanism study,and also on interaction between climate change and cold region environments and their engineering affects.

Environmental Geochemistry of Fluorine in the Rock-Soil-Water System in the Karst Region of Central Guizhou Province

Systematic determination of and adsorption experiment on fluorine in the carbonate rock\|soil\|water system in the karst region studied in Guizhou Province, in conjunction with the mineral surface and soil chemistry data, have revealed the geochemical characteristics of F and the mechanisms of its transport and enrichment in the rock\|soil\|water system of the karst region, central Guizhou Province. Deep\|seated underground waters (-100m or lower) and soil layers in the karst region of central Guizhou are characterized by high\|F anomalies whereas shallow\|level underground and surface waters by low contents of F (mostly lower than 0.5 mg/L). Fluorine in soil and water in the region studied comes largely from Triassic marine strata dominated by gypsum\|bearing carbonate rocks. The special adsorption and desorption of F on the surface of geothite in soil layers are the important mechanisms of its transport and enrichment in the rock\|soil\|water system of the karst region studied.

Weathering-pedogenesis of Carbonate Rocks and Its Environmental Effects in Subtropical Region

We investigated the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and its environmental effects in subtropical regions of China. The investigation demonstrated that the weathering- pedogenesis of carbonate rocks is the process of a joint action of corrosion and illuviation and metasomatism in subtropical region. It is characterized by multi-stage, multi-path and multi-style. With the persisting development of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks, metasomatic pedogenesis progressively became the main process of the weathering-pedogenesis and the dominant style of formation of minerals. And it proceeds through the whole process of evolution of the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks. The stage evolution of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and the fractionation evolution of newly produced minerals are characterized by obvious vertically zoning structures and the rules of gradation of elements geochemical characteristics in the carbonate rocks weathering profiles. The geochemical process of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks can be divided into three geochemical evolution stages, i.e., the Ca, Mg-depletion and Si, Al-enrichment stage; the Fe, Mn enrichment stage and the Si-depletion and Al-enrichment stage in the subtropical regions. Consistent with the three geochemical evolution stages, the sequence of formation and evolution of minerals can be divided into the clay mineral stage; the Fe, Mn oxide and the gibbsite stage. The influence of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks on the chemical forms of heavy elements is mainly affected via newly produced components and minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis, e.g., iron oxide minerals and organic matters. The important mechanism for the mobilization, transport and pollution of F and As is affected the selective adsorption and desorption of F and As on the surface of iron oxide minerals in the subtropical karst zones, i.e., the selective adsorption and desorption on mineral surfaces of newly produced minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis control the geochemical behavior of elements on the Earth＇s surface and environmental quality in subtropical regions.

Environmental change in Bashang Region historical periods

The Bashang region is a typical vulnerable eco-environmental zone. Our analysis of paleodunes, paleosol profiles, and lake changes taking place during last ten thousands years indicated that: (1) 10 - 6.9 ka B. P. was a post-glacial temperature-increasing stage, in which lakes had their high water level; (2) 6.9 - 3.0 ka B. P. was a large warm stage, during which four paleosol layers were developed and climate fluctuation has assumed 4 - 5 small cold-humid and cold-dry alternations. Since 5.4 ka B. P, the lakes tended to gradually shrink; and by 2.1 ka B. P., water level has fallen by 2.7 m; (3) since 3.0 ka B. P. a general trend of the region was to change into a dry, warm-dry and cold-dry environment.

Research on the Regional Ecological Environment Evaluation and Application under the Influence of the Severe Earthquake Disaster

To conduct the ecological restoration and reconstruction of disaster areas after the severe earthquake, such as Wenchuan Earthquake and Lushan Earthquake, this article uses region al ecological environment evaluation and ecological footprint to construct a quantitative analysis model on the basis of ecololgical environment indexes in Mianzhu City. Through this model, resource status of the regional environment in Mianzhu is analyzed, as well as the ecological capacity and the ecological security. Based on the evaluation and analysis, this paper provides multi-path development strategies of ecological restoration and sustainable development of human settlements after the earthquake.

Environmental Geochemistry of Mining Activities in Panzhihua Region, Southwestern China

Mining activities have created huge uncovered slopes, large areas of gangue ground and extensive tailings dams. This paper presents the environmental geochemistry of mining activities in Panzhihua region. The selected elements (Ti, V, Mo. Ni. Pb. Cu) show similar distribution patterns of concentration anomaly in topsoil. These concentration anomalies are located in V-Ti-magnetite slope, gangues dam and coal mine. The distinction between anthropogenic contamination and natural background is made available by the use of the enrichment factor in this study area. The anomalies of EF were smaller than that of concentration. The results from EF show that the selected elements anthropogenic pollution (EF>1) in topsoil were located in both the coal mining area and the V-Ti-magnetite mining area. In addition, the pollution sources of selected elements came from V-Ti-magnetite, slag, gangues, coal and other pollutants from mining activities.

Metbodology of environmental impact assessment for regional development

In the light of a serious of environmental impact assessment and environmental planning for eco-nomic developing areas in Tianjin, the paper stressed on the significance and task, the principals and lines aswell as major contents of EIA for regional development. In addition, the paper went further into some detailsand practical problems relating to assessment techniques such as the determination of total amount control-ling targets, setting up index systems , optimization of environmental planning programme etc. , of the EIAfor regional development.

Landscape Visual Environment Impact Analysis of Wind Power Project in Plain Region--Case in One Wind Power Farm Project of Zhanjiang

The construction of wind power project is conducive to saving energy,reducing emissions and regulating energy structure. But it inevitably causes some impacts on the environment in the construction process. Because that the height of wind power generator generally exceeds 100 m,and visual range in plain region is farther,it is necessary to scientifically and rationally evaluate and analyze landscape visual environment impact of wind power generator in plain region. One wind power farm project of Zhanjiang is located in typical plain region of Guangdong coast. Referring to traditional analytic method of landscape visual impact and comparing with actual situation for the same kind of project in the region,results show that it is ＂ extremely sensitive＂ area at 0- 2. 5 km from wind power generator, ＂ very sensitive＂ area at 2. 5- 5. 0 km, ＂ sensitive＂ area at 5- 10 km, ＂generally sensitive＂ area at 10- 20 km,and non-sensitive area outside 20 km.

COLD AND ARID REGIONS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The Cold and Arid Regions Environmental andEngineering Research Institute(CAREERI) wascreated in June 1999 as a result of the current PilotRroject of the Knowledge Innovation Program of theChinse Academy of Sciences (CAS). Formed onthe basis of three former CAS institutes,namely, theLanzhou Institute of Glaciology and Geocryology,the Lanzhou Institute of Desert Studies, and

THE LABORATORY OF ICE CORE AND COLD REGIONS ENVIRONMENT

Affiliation unit: Lanzhou Institute of Glaciology and Cold Regions Environment, CAS Brief history: The Laboratory of Ice Core and Cold Regions Environment (LICCRE) was formally approved to open domestically and internationally by Chinese Academy of Sciences in April 1997. It is attached to the Lanzhou Institute of Glaciology and Geocryology, CAS.

Eco-environment range in the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers

Based on geographical and hydrological extents delimited, four principles are identified, as the bases for delineating the ranges of the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers in the paper. According to the comprehensive analysis of topographical characteristics, climate conditions, vegetation distribution and hydrological features, the source region ranges for eco-environmental study are defined. The eastern boundary point is Dari hydrological station in the upper reach of the Yellow River. The watershed above Dari hydrological station is the source region of the Yellow River which drains an area of 4.49×10 4 km 2 . Natural environment is characterized by the major topographical types of plateau lakes and marshland, gentle landforms, alpine cold semi-arid climate, and steppe and meadow vegetation in the source region of the Yellow River. The eastern boundary point is the convergent site of the Nieqiaqu and the Tongtian River in the upstream of the Yangtze River. The watershed above the convergent site is the source region of the Yangtze River, with a watershed area of 12.24×10 4 km 2 . Hills and alpine plain topography, gentle terrain, alpine cold arid and semi-arid climate, and alpine cold grassland and meadow are natural conditions in the source region of the Yangtze River.

SEVERAL PROBLEMS ABOUT THE ECO ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH ON THE SOURCE REGIONS OF THE CHANGJIANG RIVER AND THE HUANGHE RIVER

Situated in the hinterland of the Qinghai Xizang Plateau, the eco environment of the source regions of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River and the Huanghe(Yellow) River are getting worse in recent years and has attracted increasing attention of researchers around the world. This paper discusses several major problems concerning the eco environment of the source regions. The authors hold that the two eco environment extents of the source region of the Changjiang River should be demarcated with the confluence of the Deng’ailongqu River to Zhidoi as its boundary, or 1.15×10 4 km 2 larger than the hydrological source area; while that of the Huanghe River should be delimited with Medotangumaxia in Darlag County as its limit, or 1.84×10 4 km 2 larger than the hydrological source area. The eco environment of the source regions with vegetation, soil, wetland, lake and river as the main elements, has always been affected by climatic changes, freeze thaw processes (including frozen soil freeze thaw processes and glacial snow cover freeze thaw processes), rodent damage and human activities. From an evaluation angle of fragile ecosystem, a study index system is established and several important issues for future research are suggested.

Analysis on areal relationship between regional environment and socioeconomy—taking the Chinese Yellow Sea coastal zone as a case

From the regional view, this paper analyzes the regional difference between the environmental regional structure and the socio-economic structure, establishes the regional connection between them, and determines the leading direction of the regulation of the socio-economy to improve the environmental quality in different regions.

Impact of Mining Activities upon Environment in Panzhihua Region, Southwestern China

Mining activities have left huge uncovered slopes, large areas of gangue ground and extensive railings dams. In this paper, we studied some impacts of mining activities upon environment in Panzhihua region, southwestern China. The environmental impacts include ecological destruction, geological disasters, environmental pollution, land damage, solid waste and occupational health effect in study area. The author suggested that local government should take some measure to reduce environmental impact in Pan...

Environmental Infrasound and Its Impact on Public Health in the Kashmir Region

In earlier published studies it was shown that an anomalous degree of human physiological ailments and a psychology of sustained anger and violence exist in highly populated countries located on boundaries of colliding Tectonic Plates in three continents at Latitude 34&#176 north. The Valley of Kashmir in Northern India is also located exactly on this latitude, hence chosen for detailed experimental verification of this phenomenon. This region also suffers from chronic public health hazards. Infrasound is very low frequency acoustic wave with frequencies ranging from 0.01 Hz to 20 Hz. It emanates from earthquakes, geological Faults, colliding tectonic plates and atmospheric wind turbulence. Hearing protections like ear muffs and ear plugs offer little protection. One single earthquake can cause multiple infrasound sources in a region. It is shown how regional geomorphology in the Kashmir Valley enhances and sustains this phenomenon. Both the percentage of population with hearing disabilities;and casualties due to social violence increase or decrease in proportion to frequency of earthquakes. Infrasound is shown to be the causal linkage. Public health hazards due to environmental infrasound closely resemble public health hazards actually being suffered by the population in Kashmir as established by formal and extensive medical investigations. Hence a Field Study was carried out to locate and record infrasound emissions in ten locations near 34&#176N latitude in Kashmir Valley. An analytical technique was developed to integrate infrasound spectrum in specific locations with public health hazards. It was discovered that infrasound recorded in South Kashmir around 34&#176N latitude at the locations of highest amplitude lies in proximity of Active Faults from earthquake ruptures;and in proximity to a large field of past earthquakes that took place in 2006-2012. A comprehensive public health security system needs to be set up very urgently. Technological measures are identified and appropriate technologies suggested cordoning off and mitigating this natural environmental hazard in the Kashmir Valley.

ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES AND WATERENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE CONTIGUOUSREGION OF JIANGSU,SHANGDONG,HENANAND ANHUI PROVINCES

Owing to intensive human activities and the floods of the Huaihe River in historic peiod, the contiguous region of Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan and Anhui provinces is suffering from a variety of environmental problems and naturaldisasters, of which water pollution and drought-flood disasters are most observable. Considering the special location andenvironmental status of the contiguous region, advices are proposed in the paper: perfecting trans-regional managementssystem of water environment incorporating basin management agencies in local government activities; strengthening cooperation of two agencies: water conservancy agency and environment protection agency; enhancing integrated control ofwater pollution and flood-drought disasters; taking the interests of the whole river into acount and paying attention to bothstorage and drainage; broadening sources of water supply and inceasing water delivery; controlling pollutant discharge,developing water saving production system.

Environmental Conditions of Barchan Dune and Barchan Chain-A Case Study from the Hexi Desert Area of Gansu

[Objective] The paper was to discuss why the top of tall barchan dunes and barchan chains widespread in single prevailing wind area had not been leveled by wind erosion. [Method] Based on the preliminary survey of distribution status,the morphological characteristics and environmental conditions of barchan dunes and barchan chains in Hexi desert area of Gansu were investigated in details. The significance of difference between samples and significance of correlation between indicators were examined via variance test. [Result] Barchan dunes and barchan chains in Hexi desert area of Gansu distributed at the leeward direction of desert fringe,generally in patch distribution. The distribution area was gravelly beach or cohesive gravel beach,with broader dune slack; winds in distribution area of barchan dunes and barchan chains blew obviously from one direction,while winds at other directions were light or occasionally strong but with low frequency;the barchan dune in the desert fringe of Hexi desert area of Gansu was relatively tall,while barchan chain was even more taller and larger. Coincidence or separation of the dune peak and the sand ridge might be related to distribution frequency of dominant prevailing wind or wind at opposite direction and the observation seasons.[Conclusion]Studying top stability of barchan dune has an important academic value in revealing blowing sand movement rule at desert fringe,invasion of sand flow,and expansion of desert.

Community Tourism as Practiced in the Mountainous Qiang Region of Sichuan Province,China-a Case Study in Zhenghe Village

In China, community tourism is still a relatively new phenomenon, but the villagers of a small Qiang village in the Qiang Autonomous County of Beichuan in Southwestern Sichuan have initiated tourism in a way which conforms to the basic theory of community tourism development. This demonstrates that community tourism possesses a strength and vitality that can promote the development of tourism in the rural and mountainous areas. In the district of Zhenghe Village, the tourism industry, based on the community tourism model, is the mainstay of its economy. The practice of community tourism in the village not only promotes the economic development of the village community, but also leads to the protection of the mountainous natural environment and of the culture of the Qiang people. This paper investigates the development process of community tourism in Zhenghe and shows how the local residents participate in this process. It also looks at how profits have been distributed within the community. It demonstrates that community tourism is a correct choice by the Zhenghe people as they have dearly been moving from poverty to prosperity, while the local ecology and environment have been simultaneously protected. The authors hope that other minority villages with similar local conditions and natural resources will be able to use this example to develop their own community tourism.